As a Pothos plant, I thrive in both water and soil, making me an excellent candidate for propagation. My vines grow quickly, and my nodes—those small bumps along my stems—are the key to creating new plants. Whether you choose water or soil, my propagation process is simple and rewarding.
Before you start, ensure you have a healthy parent plant (that's me!). Look for a stem with at least 4-6 leaves and a few nodes. Nodes are where my roots will emerge. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut just below a node, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem below it. Remove any leaves near the bottom node to prevent rot.
Water propagation is my favorite way to show off my root growth! Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Place the cutting in a jar or glass filled with clean, room-temperature water. Submerge the node but keep the leaves above water.
Step 2: Place the jar in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can overheat the water and harm my developing roots.
Step 3: Change the water every 5-7 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated. In 2-4 weeks, you’ll see white roots sprouting from the node.
Step 4: Once the roots are 2-3 inches long, you can transplant me into soil or keep me growing in water indefinitely (just add liquid fertilizer occasionally).
If you prefer soil propagation, I can adapt just as easily! Follow these steps:
Step 1: Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone (optional but helpful) to encourage faster root development.
Step 2: Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Bury the node about 1-2 inches deep.
Step 3: Water the soil lightly to keep it moist but not soggy. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome to create humidity, which helps me root faster.
Step 4: Place the pot in bright, indirect light. After 3-4 weeks, gently tug on the stem—if you feel resistance, roots have formed!
Once I’ve rooted, whether in water or soil, I’ll need proper care to thrive:
Light: I prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light. Too much direct sun will scorch my leaves.
Water: If I’m in soil, water me when the top inch feels dry. If I’m in water, keep the water level consistent and refresh it regularly.
Fertilizer: Feed me with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix common problems:
Rotting stems: This happens if the node stays too wet. For water propagation, ensure only the node is submerged. For soil, avoid overwatering.
Slow root growth: Be patient! If roots take longer than expected, check the light and temperature—I root best in warm, bright conditions.
Yellowing leaves: This could mean too much light or poor water quality. Adjust my environment and use filtered water if possible.
